Gathering of Historic Boats

It's the Gathering of Historic Boats this weekend – both Saturday and Sunday – when almost fifty wonderful narrow boats will be moored along the canal from Lock 13 down to beyond the bottom of the locks.

It will be a spectacular sight and a treat for photographers, anyone interested in canal history and, indeed, just about anyone looking for a fascinating day out.

Peter and Chris Silvester of Audlem Mill, the organisers, have produced a fabulous leaflet detailing all the boats that are expected. It's a wonderful record of boats dating from 1880, each with a long history of work trading on England's canal system.

Click on the PDF under the photos and you can read all the details.

Popular canal novelist Geoffrey Lewis will be at Audlem Mill signing copies of his books while acclaimed Audlem artist Sheila M Webster will be painting in watercolours. You will be able to view many of her original canal scenes and drawings of historic working boats.

Then, on Sunday, as a massive bonus, it's the Audlem Festival of Transport which will see the parade of around 300 vehicles through the village from Hankelow from 11.00 (time leaving Hankelow Green) and then parked only yards from the canal on the Playing Field.

Not content with excitement on water and land, look up at about 3.50pm and you will see a Dakota C-47 of the RAF Memorial Flight flying low over the playing field.

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